Extrapleural Pneumonectomy (EPP) for Mesothelioma
A mesothelioma extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) is a type of mesothelioma surgery used for those in the early stages of pleural mesothelioma.
Some studies have shown that patients with mesothelioma who undergo EPP have a median survival time of up to 27 months. This is about three times the average life expectancy of most patients. Many patients who have undergone EPP have survived much longer. Some have even achieved survival times of over 10 years.
- The first EPP was performed on a mesothelioma patient in 1976.
- Extrapleural pneumonectomies are always performed with chemotherapy and sometimes radiation before, during, or after surgery.
- Extrapleural pneumonectomy is a potentially curative surgery and has offered some people long periods without cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.
The Extrapleural Pneumonectomy Procedure
Extrapleural pneumonectomy is a complex procedure. Only pleural mesothelioma patients who are physically fit enough to withstand surgical complications and recovery can undergo an EPP.
Here is what occurs during this procedure:
- General Anesthesia: The patient is given a general anesthetic before the procedure begins. It is also common for patients to have received chemotherapy or radiation therapy in the weeks preceding the surgery.
- Open Surgery: The surgeon opens up the patient’s chest cavity over the sixth rib and visually inspects the lining. In some cases, the sixth rib is removed to widen the cavity.
- Lung and Tissue Removal: Surgeons will then remove the diseased lung and other areas of concern, including the pleural lining of the heart, chest, and diaphragm. Great care is taken not to enter the pleural cavity, as this could cause cancer cells to get spread to other areas. The chest cavity is then sprayed with a thrombin solution to help treat any bleeding.
- Recovery: Patients often require a prolonged hospital stay to recover as the procedure increases the load on the heart and the remaining lung. During this time the patient will be closely monitored by medical staff. After discharge, there is an additional recovery period of six to eight weeks while the body adjusts.
Extrapleural pneumonectomy is not for every mesothelioma patient. Only those in the early stages who are otherwise in good health are candidates for this radical surgery. For these patients, extrapleural pneumonectomy can improve their length and quality of life.
Extrapleural Pneumonectomy Risks and Side Effects
Surgical treatment for mesothelioma remains contested among mesothelioma doctors. While EPP has been the standard method for over 30 years to extend life for those with an early mesothelioma diagnosis, it poses many deadly risks for even the most ideal candidate. One-third of the patients who receive an EPP experience major complications.
EPP complications may include:
- Bleeding
- Blood clots
- Changes in heart rhythm
- Chest fluid build-up
- Loss of lung function
- Pneumonia
- Wound infections
- Death
Still, the University of California, San Francisco, Thoracic Surgery Department says extrapleural pneumonectomy is potentially the best procedure available to control malignant mesothelioma. It delays the spread of the disease, improves breathing, and combined with radiation and chemotherapy it can lengthen life expectancy.
Extrapleural Pneumonectomy vs Pleurectomy with Decortication
A newer and less risky procedure, developed by Dr. Robert Cameron in the 1990s, is called pleurectomy with decortication (P/D). The EPP and P/D are similar in that they are both aggressive treatments for pleural mesothelioma. Some mesothelioma doctors argue that the P/D, while less risky, may also be less effective in removing the cancer.
Because of the varying pros and cons of each procedure the medical community remains divided on which procedure is most effective. At this point, treatment is determined individually for each patient depending on the specifics of the case.
Who Is Eligible for an Extrapleural Pneumonectomy?
Patients with the following traits often make the best EPP candidates:
- Early-stage, localized mesothelioma
- Localized malignancy
- No cancer in the lymph nodes or spread to other tissues
- Overall good health
- Strong heart and lung function
Because an extrapleural pneumonectomy involves removing a diseased lung, the remaining lung and the heart must be strong enough to bear the increased load.
Additionally, since this curative procedure seeks to remove all present cancer in the pleural area, if it has already spread to other areas of the body then only palliative care can be offered.
Extrapleural pneumonectomy is a technically complex operation usually performed at large mesothelioma cancer centers by thoracic surgeons with extensive experience treating and performing surgery on mesothelioma patients.
Extrapleural Pneumonectomy Recovery
Extrapleural pneumonectomy is an invasive and complex surgery with the potential for significant consequences.
Potential EPP complications include:
- Infection
- Lung fluid buildup
- Pneumonia
- Blood clots
- Internal bleeding
- Kidney failure
- Heart problems
- Pus in pleural space
- Shortness of breath
- Dependence on an oxygen tank or respirator
Doctors agree that the most effective method for aiding recovery is taking steps to prepare ahead of time for the trauma the body is going to experience.
The renowned Cleveland Clinic offers instructions that may help aid recovery:
- Improve diet: Eat a “cleaner diet” consisting of foods like fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins and minerals to reduce inflammation in the body and prepare for the upcoming shock of surgery. Dr. El Hayek says to avoid processed food, red meat and other foods that are difficult for the body to break down and cause inflammation.
- Exercise: Get exercise even if it’s just taking a short walk or parking the car further away from the store in the parking lot. This will increase the chances of walking sooner after surgery. According to Dr. El Hayek, discharge from the hospital might depend on reaching a preoperative level of activity.
- Avoid drugs: Stop smoking, drinking, or using any mood-altering substances that could affect sleep or anxiety level prior to surgery. Days leading up to the surgery cease any smoking or alcohol consumption which could affect anesthesia.
- Visit the doctor: See your primary care physician to ensure all of your medications are optimally dosed. Your blood pressure and blood sugar need to be controlled for optimum surgical results. Higher blood sugar counts will inhibit wound healing, so the more they are controlled the better recovery you’ll have.
In addition to preparing your body, learn tips to prepare your mind for the trauma of undergoing a major surgery like extrapleural pneumonectomy.
Tips on preparing for surgery include:
- Learn as much as you can about EPP from reliable medical sources so you know exactly what is going to happen the day of the surgery.
- Prepare a list of questions to ask your medical provider. According to anxiety specialist Dr. Zeev N. Kain, studies show that the more information a patient has the less anxiety will be experienced.
- Speak to the anesthesiologist prior to the surgery about the plan for pain management after the surgery.
- Dr. Kain recommends using guided imagery, breathing techniques, and music therapy prior to surgery and afterward to ease anxiety.
- Most importantly, have a social support system in place to surround you during your recovery. Loving friends and family are crucial to you during this time.
For more information on mesothelioma surgeries and treatment options, contact our caring Patient Advocates and learn how we can help you navigate this difficult time.
